In a city filled with grand Victorian taverns and sprawling gastropubs, The Dove is something else entirely. Tucked along the Upper Mall in Hammersmith, this narrow, low-ceilinged pub has a Guinness World Record for the smallest bar room in Britain—just over 4 feet by 7 feet. But don’t be fooled by the square footage. Inside this pint-sized pub is a long-poured legacy of poets, royalty, and riverfront drinking worth lingering over.

Image Source: Londonist

A Pub That’s Been Pouring Since the 17th Century

Records suggest there’s been a drinking establishment on this site since the early 1600s. The current building dates back to the 18th century, and little seems to have changed. The floors slope. The beams creak. The space narrows until you feel like you’ve wandered into a boat cabin, not a pub. That’s part of the charm—and possibly how the legendary tiny bar came to be.

According to pub lore, The Dove needed a second bar room to secure a full license. So, in what might be the most London solution ever, they built the smallest one possible. The Guinness-recognized bar area is still in use today, tucked away in the front of the pub, where only one or two people can order at a time. It’s cramped, odd, and completely brilliant.

Image Source: Dove Hammersmith

Rule Britannia, Royal Affairs, and Other Stories

The Dove’s guestbook reads like a who's who of British cultural history. It’s said that James Thomson penned the lyrics to Rule, Britannia! at a table inside. Charles II reportedly courted his mistress, Nell Gwynne, here. There’s even a plaque outside commemorating these claims—whether they’re true or not is beside the point. The stories have settled into the woodwork.

Step inside today and you’ll see walls lined with prints, portraits, and dedications to notable visitors. The building is now Grade II listed, ensuring its preservation as one of London’s quirkiest and most characterful pubs.

Image Source: Financial Times

Thames Views and Cosy Pints

What keeps The Dove more than a historical footnote is how well it continues to function as a local. On sunny afternoons, locals and tourists alike jostle for seats on the riverside terrace. Inside, the low lighting and quiet nooks offer ideal conditions for slow pints and good conversation. Their beer selection leans traditional—Fuller’s ales, naturally—and the food menu serves up upgraded pub classics with a seasonal lean.

During the annual Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, The Dove becomes a prime viewing spot. But outside of that, it’s a calm place to watch the Thames roll by, especially if you snag a window seat inside the back room.

Image Source: Dove Hammersmith

Small in Size, Strong in Spirit

The Dove doesn’t need a massive footprint to leave a lasting impression. For Londoners and visitors alike, it’s a reminder that history, atmosphere, and a good pint don’t require square footage—they just need staying power. And The Dove has that in spades.